Reviews

Find book, movie, TV shows, mobile apps, websites and play reviews for children and young adults on this site. The Children’s Book and Media Review (CBMR) helps busy adults select quality entertainment and educational materials for the children in their lives. We review books, plays, movies, TV shows, apps, and websites for children and teenagers. We understand that there is no “one size fits all” when it comes to children’s media. No one understands a child’s needs better than their caretakers. Our reviews provide objective analysis and information to help you find the right materials for your child. Whether it’s educational or just entertaining, the CBMR will help you find the right worlds for your child to explore.

Based on the children’s book of the same name by Thacher Hurd, Art Dog introduces children to famous paintings and artists in a fun and memorable way with a cast composed entirely of dogs. Arthur, a guard at an art museum, spends his days patrolling the rooms of the museum, which feature several famous paintings. At night though, if the moon is shining, Arthur transforms into Art Dog; decorating the walls of his city with his own imaginative paintings. After closing time at the museum one moon-bright night, two thieves break in and steal the “Mona Woofa,” replacing it with a rough new painting. When the police catch Arthur on the street with a paint brush in hand he is arrested for the crime. Once in jail his paintbrush takes on magical powers and he is able to paint himself out of the situation. When he catches the actual thieves and his paintings are discovered, he is invited to present a show at the museum. His show is a success and the next morning Arthur is back to work at the museum, his identity safe.

This adaptation closely mirrors the popular children’s book, fleshing out a few of the characters for a cohesive whole. The colorful characters and music as well as the action packed plot will keep young audiences captivated as will the colorful characters and physical, pun-based comedy. This production provides a great jumping off point for a first time theatergoers as well as a wonderful introduction to famous paintings and artists. Opportunities for pre and post show learning abound. The small cast, and short running time make it an ideal option for touring, but the tricky special effects required would need to be considered.

Children's Book and Media Review

The Children’s Book and Media Review (CBMR) helps busy adults select quality entertainment and educational materials for the children in their lives. We review books, plays, movies, TV shows, apps, and websites for children and teenagers.

We understand that there is no “one size fits all” when it comes to children’s media. No one understands a child’s needs better than their caretakers. Our reviews provide objective analysis and information to help you find the right materials for your child.